bending at the heart of

She sidles up next to him and presses her shoulder to his forearm. “So, any plans on revenge for Kipps?”Lockwood shakes his head, trying to ignore the uneasy tilt in his stomach at the memory of not being fully in control. It wasn’t even that bad all things considered. He might have bumbled about, fallen over, made a fool of himself by tripping, but he’s always prided himself on a perfect image. Any press that shows him as less by any amount is unacceptable. “If he’s taking cheap shots then its because we’re winning.”“Or it’s because he finds your ego insufferable and he wants to teach you a little humility.”He frowns down at her and is rewarded with one of her signature Carlyle grins. The one that promises trouble.